A handmade holiday

Buying handmade for the holidays is kind of like eating organic – even if you really believe in it, 100% compliance rate is really hard. But every bit matters. The Handmade Gift Guide is asking people to sign this online pledge: at least half of the holiday gifts I give are handmade (by me, a friend, or a super cool artist).

Let’s do it! Remember, handmade doesn’t have to look like it was made in a camp craft room. It can be sleek, functional, classic. For inspiration, here are ten pledge-qualifying gift ideas.

2. For the techie, a clever ipod/ipad charger made from a book – $55(looks like they’re sold out for Christmas, but I still had to include it. It’s too cool. Maybe you have a January birthday to plan for?)

7. Instructions for turning a photo into a paint-by-number(paint it yourself, or package it with paint as a kit for a crafty friend…yeah it’s kitsch, but everybody’s got a kitsch-lover on their list!) – $ a few dollars

10. And if someone’s been very, VERY good, perhaps this handmade leather bag – $140

What handmade things are you giving this year? What are you making yourself and what are you buying from others? Whatever you gift, handmade or not, you can snazz up the wrapping with these free gift tag printables from Eat Drink Chic. Happy gift-buying, making, and giving!

4 responses to “A handmade holiday”

@Kim – send me pictures of what you make! Or better yet, post them on your blog. I would love to see Rudy in some argyle.

@newfoundlandtraveller – One can never have too much jewelry, especially cool handmade jewelry. As for candles, I’ve been wanting to try this thing on Martha Stewart where you use old teacups as the candle vessels..

@blankenmom – These are mostly just suggestions, although I’m very tempted by the DIY paint by number! I am making some handknits, but the recipients are blog readers so I can’t post yet. I need to pick out a few other etsy items for friends. Those earrings are top contenders.

Nice gifts! We are totally doing the handmade holiday this year. I am in the process of knitting my very first cabling project. Also we love the felted coasters you made us so much that I am stealing the idea (thanks by the way) and making some for a friend. I actually felted sweaters for the first time last night (well on purpose at least). Rudy is going to get a felted argyle sweater for Christmas. He is going to look so preppy. Plus with Saturday Market I don’t think I can go wrong with the uniquely Eugene goodies.

I really like your homemade items. I treasure a special candle given to me, made by her own hands. It still smells delicious 5 years later! I make simple jewelry so friends may be getting unique pieces or pieces uniquely made by me.

I love the chalk board tray idea, but I really like the blanket from felted sweaters! Wished this had come across my path before I gave away my favorite sweater that felted! I will definitely be keeping it in mind for future use however.

I’m giving 2 handknit scarves and 2 pairs of socks (made by me), a monkey rain chain (made by a local artist) and a coffee mug colored in by my boys. It’s not half, but it’s a start.